Encore Event Technologies proudly took home four awards, including two of the most prestigious awards, at the Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) Industry Awards on Friday 29 May 2020. The awards were hosted online for the first time due to restrictions relating to COVID-19.
Encore won both the NSW State and National Incentive Event of the Year awards for our delivery of the Amway China Leadership Seminar held in Cairns last year. We then followed these wins by also taking home the VIC State and National Special Event of the Year for the Virtuoso 2019 Symposium Dinner at Crown Melbourne.
The impressive Amway incentive event was acknowledged by industry peers as a true testament to the team’s creative production capabilities. Amway China welcomed over 6,000 delegates in seven waves attending the 4-day seminar and incentive program across multiple locations. The concluding gala event treated guests to a spectacular experience including a special blended reality sequence created using layered multimedia, holographics, choreographed robotics show with a live performer and gigantic 270-degree screen that wrapped around the inside of the venue.
The Virtuoso event saw guests dazzled by of one of the largest table projection experiences ever in Australia. Themed ‘Welcome to the Emerald City’, every table had stunning, bespoke projections alternating throughout the evening. A total of 55 individual table projections and a stunning stage set enthralled guests. The event was meticulously designed to ensure the guests were taken on a full sensory journey using clever event production, to styling the Palladium at Crown drenched in emerald drapery, green and gold lights highlighting the extravagant details, such as iconic ruby red slippers hanging from chandeliers and the projected yellow-brick road that led to the main stage.
The accolades recognize Encore’s ongoing dedication to producing outstanding event experiences, as well as their significant contribution to the Australian event industry.
Commenting on the wins, Encore Managing Director, Tony Chamberlain, praised the creative and passionate team.
“I want to congratulate the entire events team involved in the creation of both events from concept to execution. They pushed the boundaries of technology and creative event design to create experiences that their audiences had never seen before.
“These awards will inspire us to continue to elevate our service offerings and strive to exceed our clients’ expectations,” said Mr Chamberlain.
The highly-coveted MEA Awards are judged by a panel of independent industry leaders to celebrate excellence and best business practice in the meeting and events industry. The aim of the MEA Industry Awards is to encourage event professionals to excel in achieving their business and personal goals.
With over 300 returning travellers on their way to mandatory isolation, Encore and hotel staff at The Playford Adelaide MGallery by Sofitel quickly devised a creative solution to keep their guests entertained, fit and relaxed.
What originally started out as a simple idea to host a 1 hour trivia with guests, turned into a full blown TV station with constant content in a matter of hours.
When presented with the trivia, the Encore team took a simple question and went completely lateral with a solution. Laden with administration and communication hurdles and with only a day before guests arrived, the Encore team proposed using the hotel room TVs which every room was equipped with and it required no web links or invites to access the content – just a remote control.
The challenge was now how to allow for 2-way communication with all of the guests. The solution was a private Facebook group which every guest was invited to attend. The group allowed the hotel to communicate directly with guests and the guests between themselves. It was a fantastic platform that connected these strangers who were all experiencing the same situation. The group also allowed the hotel to quickly respond and address any guest feedback.
Within 24 hours, the quiz had evolved into a dedicated TV station that would run daily from 10am until 5pm broadcasting everything from live cooking demonstrations with a Playford chef to yoga, infant sensory sessions and magic shows.
“The concept snowballed from simply wanting to run a quiz, and with great community support we are now able to facilitate physical, intellectual, emotional and social wellbeing activities,” said Melanie Leyn, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Playford Adelaide.
One guest even ran a Zumba class from their room, while hotel staff became presenters, comedians and musicians.
“One of the front desk team members became a pseudo travel show presenter filming a tour of Adelaide’s iconic places and landmarks,” said Leyn.
“Considering some of the guests haven’t had a chance to even see the city this was the next best thing.”
Behind the scenes, the team at Encore Event Technologies were involved in the streaming of live content, recorded within the hotel. Other segments were pre-recorded and edited on site by Encore.
Encore’s in-house Event Staging Manager said,
“It was a great example of the Aussie spirit thriving at the hotel with everyone pitching in – from hotel staff and friends, to local fitness businesses, musicians and more, everyone contributed to the initiative.
“Our team took a simple question and went completely laterally with a solution. It was through Playford’s support that we were able to open new avenues to improve hotel room quarantine for their guests. After a few interstate hotels called to see what we were doing, we feel we have redefined the quarantine guest standard offering, especially from a health and wellbeing point of view. When developing the Playford TV and the associated Facebook group, our team focused on providing content to help people remain engaged with life while in isolation.”
It’s clear this considered approach to content resonated with guests who posted messages of gratitude on the Facebook group.
“We’ve been blown away by the messages of appreciation from guests on the Facebook group about their experience at the hotel,” said Leyn.
- “The team at Playford have turned the most dreadful time into the most fun, peaceful, relaxed quarantine.”
- “…your kindness and interest in keeping us sane was the most touching and reassuring. You treat us like humans and I am glad to have landed here.”
- “Thank you for making us feel home, I don’t feel like going to mine now.”
The 14-day quarantine stay culminated in a live concert in the hotel, which was streamed via Facebook on 4 May with guests checking out the next morning.
Guests gathered on their balconies cheering and dancing to the music, ending their stay on a positive note.
“It was so gratifying being able to change what was expected to be a negative experience into something positive which they’ve said they’ll cherish forever,” said Leyn.
With the TV station a resounding success be sure to stay tuned for more Playford TV.
A mesmerising and magical showcase of Encore’s custom holographic mesh screen product was delivered at the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort’s Lagoon Beach. The intimate event was held on 10 December 2019 with 50 exclusive guests including the venue executive team, venue staff, PCO’s and VIP clients.
The event’s aim was to completely wow guests with cutting edge technology by designing and producing a fully immersive experience inspired by Sci-Fi films, theatre and magic, while complementing the natural beauty of the outdoor event space. The biggest challenge was to design an innovative concept which did not interfere with the daily guest usage of Lagoon Beach.
Guests were immediately transported to an elegant paradise at sunset with sparkling wine on arrival at the Fountain Terrace and an impressive cocktail entrée showcase by Executive Chef Matt Hart.
Live acoustic music set the ambiance as guests made their way to Lagoon Beach. Guests were blown away with the intimate tropical dinner setting with LED centre pieces, elegant hessian style table runners and scattered shells in the centre of the table. Lighting added to the ambiance with a deep blue hue also nodding to the tropical surrounds.
Daniel Hazard, South East Queensland General Manager and Andrew MacColl, Concept Designer greeted guests and opened the evening. They welcomed Matt Rippin, General Manager, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, to conduct the official launch; as guests were expecting him to approach the lectern they were shocked as he appeared to hover above the water in the centre of the Lagoon in a 12m x 2.4m holographic effect. The audience let out a collective gasp at the end of the presentation when a 10m projection of a shark appeared from the water.
Guests were fully captivated as a bespoke showreel designed by Encore’s motion graphic team, unveiled the vast potential of holograms. The animations ranged from fish, ballerinas, mime artists to disco balls and hashtags; with 2 x 20,000 lumen projectors providing a crisp and ultra-bright image. The audience were visibly in awe of the hologram as they watched the mystery and wonder of the projections.
The multitude of effects and the ability to implement the technology as a defining point of difference for events had guests in awe.
What did the client say?
“Our Lagoon Beach is a defining feature of our resort, we wanted to add to the value of the space by implementing something completely new and entrancing. We asked Encore to deliver something that would wow our guests and enhance live performances. Never could we have imagined such an impressive event feature completely custom made for our event space. We were beyond impressed and excited about the possibilities of holograms in our events. “
THEME TAKEN TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH 7.5 METRE DIAMETER CIRCULAR LED SCREEN
We have The Big Pineapple in Nambour, The Big Macadamia Nut on the Sunshine Coast and The Big Bull in Rockhampton, but nothing prepared the 1,300 guests of the Queensland Hotel Association Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner for ‘The Big LED Screen’ designed and delivered by Encore.
The creative idea behind the event design, The Big Things of Queensland was literally taken to new heights by the Encore team for the pinnacle event in the Queensland hospitality industry, hosted at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 14 October.
The 2.4-meter-high circular screen was 7.5 meters in diameter and incorporated 2.5 tonnes of LED. The LED structure was the centrepiece of the event, which also playfully brought to life interactive retro-inspired theming throughout the room such as a ball-pit with a selfie camera, and a functioning ice cream van serving sweet treats.
Kelly-Anne Mott, Events and Partnerships Officer, Queensland Hotel Association said the theme was inspired by the uniqueness of Queensland and having fun.
“This is the pinnacle event on our calendar and with the best in the business attending, we wanted them to have a fun time, provide optimal chance for networking and celebrate our industry in style.
“The brief was to bring to life our fun and quirky theme and the Encore team exceeded all our aspirations with designing their own ‘very big thing’.
“The engagement we got from the ball-pit, interactive bar and ice cream van was excellent. These three important design elements were carefully curated to encourage maximum engagement – and they did.
“We had people dressed up in black tie gowns lining up to jump in the ball-pit and have fun. The activities were perfect for creating interactive elements.
“Creating a space for our people to truly celebrate and unwind was a triumph,” said Ms Mott.
Daniel Hazard, General Manager, SEQ Encore, said this event brought out the best in the team from our set builders who designed and built the ball-pit, to our creative vision, lighting and rigging teams who really pushed the limit in event production.
“We rigged the giant LED screen from the ceiling of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and created a circular stage below to complement – it was central to the overall design and a focal point of the event.
“Combined with the retro styling elements, interactive dancers and the entertainment, this was an event that will be talked about for years to come.
“We know the importance of ensuring guests have their expectations exceeded year after year, and this was no exception,” said Mr Hazard.
Guest’s at this year’s Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards Gala were wowed by the stunning curved LED screen installation and innovative lighting display designed by Encore Event Technologies. The brief for the event’s technical solution was to design an ‘elegant and engaging’ environment which the team delivered on beautifully.
Showcasing the latest event technology whilst complimenting the heritage of Brisbane City Hall’s unique spherical shape, the solution was based on a giant 17m wide curved LED screen which hugged the walls of the building. The screen enabled super-bright, clear vision and was the hero of the impressive stage set. Multimedia content provided by Channel 7 was delivered to the screen via the latest Disguise media server.
A stunning lighting display delivered via the latest Clay Paky technology further complimented the building with beautiful lighting reflections cast all around the venue walls and ceiling for a truly unique and impactful focal point.
Brisbane Marketing has been a client for 11 years and Encore has delivered this event for three years. The Awards acknowledge the contribution of businesses and individuals to Brisbane’s economy and the city’s profile as a vibrant centre of innovation and enterprise.
Daniel Hazard, General Manager of Encore SEQ was delighted with the result,
“The team went over and above to deliver on the brief to wow guests. The curved LED screen was the perfect solution to the brief and the immersive design had the room enganged from beginning to end. The clients and guests loved the effect.”
A recent event for Victorian-based charity Challenge, a not-for-profit organisation providing support to children and families living with cancer, saw the Encore team supporting an all-female event by incorporating colourful paper flowers made by mothers and their children living with cancer into beautiful centrepieces. It was a small touch that told a significant story.
Catrina Bennell, General Manager Victoria, Encore said the centrepieces are just one piece in a large event that shared the important journey of families who have a child with cancer. “We wanted to create an event where potential donors and sponsors are inspired to give money to support this important charity.
“When the event manager for Challenge, Jane Rainey asked us if we could include the flowers made by the children and their families, we thought this would be a fantastic way to connect the children with the event. It made a real connection between our guests and the reason they were there,” said Bennell.
The 1,600-person event called Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend is now in its 19th year and was held at Crown Palladium. It is presented by the Women for Challenge Committee and Bed Bath N’ Table. The 2019 theme, Let’s Fiesta, incorporated bright colours, a fun atmosphere and big personalities.
Jane Rainey said the event is a major highlight for the guests but needs to impress every year.
“The challenge with organising a successful long-term event is needing to up the ante every year. Our 2019 event had the combination of the colourful lighting design by Encore, the celebrity MCs – Georgia Love and Kris Smith, the dance troupe performing hits from The Greatest Showman and the amazing food – which all helped to create an exceptional event. “All funds raised on the night are directed to the Women for Challenge program, offering a range of services tailored to mothers who are caring or have cared for a child living with cancer” said Rainey.
As Australia’s major design awards, the Think Bricks Awards bring together architects and the building design industry to celebrate their achievements in style.
Taking inspiration from the architectural design submissions, the brief to Encore was to create the ultimate glamorous galactic experience. The end concept, a galaxy inspired theme, was designed in collaboration by the Encore and Think Brick teams. Encore entwined the theme throughout every element of the event, from the AV and lighting through to set design and styling.
Being an awards night with all eyes on the stage, Encore designed an impressive stage set that was both in theme, and purposely built to ensure every guest had the same experience. The result was an impressive treble LED screen installation comprising of 12 LEDs in a four-armed configuration, resembling a spaceship-like design.
This served as the main screen showcasing the outstanding work of the award nominees and its clever design ensured every one had perfect view of the awards stage. Throughout the evening, guests were continually immersed in the galactic theme thanks to the custom on-screen content designed and produced by Encore which was all based off the Think Brick Awards 2019 graphics developed by Think Brick.
In addition to the three-armed stage set, Encore custom built an amazing a ceiling installation over the bar in the adjoining room for the after party. The light installation featured large numbers of baton lights to resemble lightsabers and illuminated with colours matching the client’s logo.
The styling created a luxurious atmosphere with every detail adding to the theme from metallic tablecloths to dark drapery around the room.
After the last award, a video played on the big screens to wrap-up the formalities of the event as confetti cannons exploded to celebrate the successful night which was 11 months in the making by the Encore team.
To mark the end of the formalities, Encore used a kabuki drop to reveal a full band playing on the main stage in the adjoining room along with the custom lightsaber-lit bar for the after party.
Elizabeth McIntyre, Group CEO, Think Brink was delighted with the event,
“Our brief to the Encore team was to create an event with WOW-factor. We particularly wanted a super-sized screen to showcase the amazing work of the architects attending. Our guests loved the after party light-up bar with the ceiling installation above. It really brought the theme to life and delivered on need to impress our guests.”
Two companies unite to jointly serve a global customer base
PSAV announced today that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Encore Event Technologies. PSAV and Encore, both global leaders in event experiences and production services, combine their deep expertise and shared commitment to be an invaluable global partner for the meeting industry. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“The combination of Encore and PSAV is monumental for the industry and all who rely on us for their event experience needs. It provides us with the ability to expand our capabilities and footprint in order to better serve our collective meeting planner customers and valued venue partners,” said Mike McIlwain, CEO of PSAV.
“The Encore team is very much aligned to our purpose, mission and values, and I am confident our expanded team will exceed our own expectations when it comes to helping our customers achieve their meeting and event goals.”
Bob Priest-Heck, Chief Executive Officer of The Freeman Company, said,
“This divestiture is an important milestone and will allow Freeman to invest deeper in our broad competencies in brand and event strategy, world-class creative, event technology, digital and logistics. The combination of Encore and PSAV creates tremendous opportunities for Encore to accelerate its growth and provide enhanced value to its clients, partners and world-class team. We wish our Encore colleagues continued success as part of PSAV moving forward.”
Encore has a long and distinguished history dedicated to helping create high-impact meetings and live events for the hospitality industry. Encore operates as an in-house partner to some of the world’s leading resorts, hotels and casinos, as well as a creative production company for clients around the world.
PSAV has an equally impressive history that includes more than 80 years as a global leader in event experiences. Its extensive footprint and menu of capabilities have effectively served its customers across the globe.
Guests were transported to a whimsical, fantasy land at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort for this year’s National Dental Care gala dinner. Every corner of the MacArthur’s Ballroom was transformed into an ‘Enchanted Garden’, enhanced by interactive elements creating a truly immersive experience. The creative challenge to Encore was to deliver something extra special that stood apart from the previous six events and made guests feel part of an exciting story from the moment they arrived.
Guests arrived at what used to be the Fountain Terrace, but which now was a magical garden decorated with fairy lights scattered in trees, giant orbs floating on cascading fountains, foliage-printed balloons with vine strings floating around the space all hinting to the evening that lay ahead. Stilt-walkers dressed as woodland creatures greeted guests and led them down a magnificent winding path to the ballroom entrance, elegantly lined with twisted willow trees lining the staircase and cascading foliage and florals draping down the balustrades.
The hero design feature in the room was the 4.5m tall artificial tree placed in the centre of the ballroom with branches covered in soft green leaves reaching over the tables with special gobo lights casting tree-like shadows around the room. The teal hue lighting continued the enchanted garden atmosphere and also a clever nod to National Dental Care’s brand colour.
The entertainment was a huge part of this unique event, from fairies pouring champagne to woodland creatures roaming the room. There was even a fortune teller whispering good fortune amongst the three-metre tall trees in a special feature area of the room. Lush green AstroTurf covered the floor creating a designated game space with giant Jenga, chess pieces and mini golf. A giant floral wall sat on one side the room providing the perfect backdrop for guests to take pictures.
Katie Jackson, Head of Marketing, National Dental Care said they really wanted to transport the guests to another world, and then Encore delivered on that.
“It was an incredible event, our attendees were blown away. The event certainly transported our guests to an enchanted kingdom and everywhere you looked there was a new wonder to be seen.” said Ms Jackson.
Tony Chamberlain, Managing Director, Encore, congratulated the team in South East Queensland for delivering a spectacular event themed to perfection.
“This event hit the nail on the head with not only the physical appearance of the event but the atmosphere that was created with the high level of attention to detail. We were asked to deliver an immersive party atmosphere and the team certainly delivered on that we did,” said Mr Chamberlain.
Guests were dazzled by of one of the largest table projection experiences in Australia, when Encore designed and delivered a never-before-seen showcase event on behalf of Crown Towers for Virtuoso, a luxury tourism company.
Each year Virtuoso selects a destination to host their symposium and to sample the very best tourism opportunities in that city; in 2019 the chosen city was Melbourne. Crown also took this as an opportunity to launch their newest property Crown Sydney which will open in 2021.
Themed ‘Welcome to the Emerald City’, a play on Sydney’s nick name, every table had stunning, bespoke projections alternating throughout the evening. This was one of the largest table projection mapping projects in Australia ever completed, with a total of 55 individual table projections and an absolute stand-out of the event that had the guests enthralled.
The entire event was meticulously designed to ensure the guests were taken on a full sensory journey using clever event production, from the dancers in genuine ‘Wicked – The Musical’ costumes, to the Palladium Ballroom being drenched in emerald drapery, green and gold lights highlighting the extravagant details, such as iconic ruby red slippers hanging from chandeliers and the projected yellow-brick road that led to the main stage.
Feature entertainment included renowned Australian Soprano, Kerrie Anne Greenland, dressed in an authentic Glinda – the Good Witch outfit, who sung Australia’s entry into Eurovision 2019, ‘Zero Gravity’.
In the centre of the room four giant LED screens 4.8m x 2.4m, dubbed the ‘Crown Tower’, featured custom animations throughout the evening.
As each course unfolded, the food changed theme and the city skylines of Melbourne, Perth and then Sydney, were featured on the Crown Tower LED screen, lights were adjusted to create the ambiance of the city in focus and all 55 tables simultaneously came to life with individualised table projections. The projections contained animated clockwork, infinite emerald jewel clusters, art deco inspired designs – all spinning on each person’s plate.
Catrina Bennell, General Manager for Encore Victoria, believes this event is a defining moment for Encore highlighting the capability, expertise and full creative production the team can offer.
“This event was perfectly over the top and left everyone in awe with the full sensory experience it offered. Guests were amazed, constantly taking photos and videos of the night with sheer joy on their faces. It is definitely a night to remember and will travel back home with each of the guests,” says Ms Bennell.